Rapper Zoe Dowdell, who went by the Boondocks-inspired name Gangstalicious, was shot and killed by police in New Britain, Connecticut last week.
Dowdell had been driving a car that was suspected in multiple carjackings and robberies when he struck police vehicles. Police opened fire when he allegedly drove toward officers in an attempt to flee. Dowdell, 20, was killed and his 18-year-old and 15-year-old passengers were wounded.
Attorney Wesley Spears, who had represented Gangstalicious's co-defendant in two recent criminal cases and was working on a record deal for Gangta, said he was surprised by the killing.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of harsh criminals,” Spears said. “He was not a hardened criminal. He was very lightweight in terms of being forceful or aggressive.”
Spears added that while he didn't see somebody like Gangstalicious committing a car-jacking or a robbery, he would be the type to drive the getaway car for his friends.
Police uncovered drugs and weapons from the car. Both of Gangstalicious's teenager passengers, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting, are facing multiple charges.
A tribute concert for Gangstalicious is being planned for Jan. 13 at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford.
RIP.